Apparatus foe



8 Sh-eets- Sheet 1.

W E. MCKERSUN. APPABATUSPOR FILLING PACKAGES.

(210 Model.)

N0, 588,168. Patented Aug. 17,1897.

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- 8 Sheets-Sheet 2.

!-Nn Model WE, NIOKERSGN. APPARATUS FOR PiLLING PACKAGES.

Patented Aug 17,1897.

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(No Model.)

' 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 NIGKERSON. APPARATUS FOR FILLING PACKAGES,

Patented Aug. 187, .1897

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lvk/ap 'fmg & Sheets-Shet 4. W E. NL'CKEBSON. APPARATUS FOB.- FILLINGPACKAGES.

N0 Model.)

Patented Aug. 17, 1897.

WWW a -(No Model.) 8 SheetsSheet 5.

W E. NIGKERSON. APPARATUS FOR FILLING PACKAGES.

\NITPIEESEEI (N0 Modl.) ssneets-sheet 7. r W. E. NIGKERSON. APPARATUSFOR FILLING PACKAGES.

Patented Aug. 17,1897.

g V v 1,0 .Avu. MN 1 8 8 m N v A, i A 3 M m I J; N R 1 g a M O WIIIYII 68 Q N w in iv M UNITED STATES- PATENT TVILLIAM EMERY NIOKERSON, OFCAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TQTHE XEW ENGLAND 'WEIGIITNG MACHINECOMPANY, OF BOSTON,

MASSACHUSETTS.

APPARATUS FOR FiLLiNG PACKAGES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 588,168, dated August17, 1897.

Application filed February 11, 1897. Serial No- 622 994| QNo model.)

To all whom it may coltcci'lb:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM EnERv NICK- ERSON, of Cambridge, in thecounty of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented anew anduseful Improvementin Apparatus for Filling Packages, of which thefollowing, taken in connection with tl1eaccompanying dra\\"ings, is aspecification.

My invention relates to apparatus to be used in filling, transporting,and registering packages and for compressing the material therein. It isespecially adapted to operate in connection with ai'itomaticweighing-machines.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which-Figure l is a general view in perspective of my apparatus and includes,essentially,-a rotating table having balanced arms bearingpackage-holding cages, said table having also latch devices and avertical driving-shaft; also, mechanism attached to the ceiling,consisting of friction-disks for driving the table, a clutch device foroperating a compressingplunger, and related parts; further, areceiving-apron, with its suppofling-framework and driving-gear, adaptedto receive filled and compressed packages from the cages of the rotatingtable, and, lastly, an inclosed removing-apron, with its framework,driving-gear, inclosing case, doorways, and registering devices: Aweighing-machine of an ordinary type is also included to show itsrelation to the rotating table. Fig. 2 is a View in perspective of arotating table having balanced arms, a nu niber of which are removediuorder to more fully disclose the construction. Fig. 3 is a view inelevation of the principal tableholdiug latch, parts of. the tabl e andof its pedestal and 'a balanced arm being included to show therelationof the latch thereto. Fig. dis an elevation of a secondarytableholding latch and related parts. Fig. 5 is a view enlarged, partlyin section and partly in elevation, of a part of the rim of the table,showing one of the contact-pins adapted to engage with the table-latchesand also a latchroller. Fig. 6 is a perspective view, enlarged, of oneof the balanced arms and packageholding cages and shows portions of adevice for expelling the filled packages from the cage. Fig. 7 is also aperspective view of a balanced arm and package-holding cage, but-from adifferent point of View. Fig. 8 is a view in horizontal section cutacross on the line as a:- of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of twopackage-holding cages, a compressing-plunger, and a cage-closing door,the latter being 7 in the open position; also, the end of a travelingapron upon which the filled packages are expelled from the cages. Fig.10 is a View similar to Fig. 9, excepting that the cageclosing door isin the closed position and the compressing-plunger downward within. thecage. Fig. 11 is a slightly-enlarged view, partly in plan and partly inhorizontal section, showing the relation of the package-holding cage anda door, the latter being in the open position. Fig. 12 is similar toFig. 11, ex-

7 cepting that the door is in theclosedposition. 7o

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of mechanism consisting of a pair offriction-disks for driving the table, a continuously-rotatingclutchwheel with a clutch-latchaud crank for operating thecompressing-plunger, and other related parts. Fig. 14 is a view, partlyin side elevation and partly in vertical section,

of the friction-disks for driving the table and of a clutch mechanismfor operating the compressing-plunger, showing the relation of theparts, the clutch being out of engagement. Fig. 15 is an elevation ofthe clutch. shown in Fig. 14., but in the engaged or operativepos'ition. Fig. 16 is a side elevation showing centering-stops adaptedto exactly locate'the compressor-crank after each of its movements. Fig.17 is a view in plan ofa portion of the rotating table from which allthe balanced arms have been removed excepting the. one which is inposition under the compress- 9o mg-plunger, and also showing the end ofthe receiving-apron and the contour-piece used in connection withmechanism on'the cages for expelling the filled packages." Fig. 18 is aview, mostly in vertical section, disclosing the manner of driving andtightening the aprons. Fig. 19 is a view, partly in plan and partly inhorizontal section, showing a removing-apron with portions of itsinclosing case and also entrance doorways and doors; mo

and registering devices. Fig. is an elevation of a registering mechanismand locking jdev -ice as seen from within the casing of theremoving-apron. Fig. 21 is aplan of the registering mechanism. Fig. 22is a view in locking device used in connection with the elevation of theregistering mechanism and is lnpou a pedestal and is provided with alatch similar to Fig. 20, excepting thatapackag'e is passing by it. r

--My improved apparatus has for abasis a otating table which is'suitably mounted Zwhich prevents its rotation exceptat proper intervals,as hereinafter described. This table has a seriesot' balanced armspivoted s; upon its edge or rim, each armqarj'ying up.on

table causing each cage in turn to stop diter working in connection witha rectly beneath the aforesaid discharge-aperture. Y

Upon a discharge of the weighing-machine into the cage located beneathit the balanced arm corresponding thereto is'depressed at its outer end,causing, by suitable mechanism, the trippingof the table-latch andconsequent movement of the table, bringing the next cage in successionunderneath the dischargeaperture of the weighing-machine. hen a cage?has advanced the proper distance beyou'd the discharge-orifice of theweighing- .machine, it is found to rest upon a platen and to be oppositean automatic door, the latcompressing-plnnger, whereby the open side ofthe cage is closed while the material in the package within it is beingcompressed to the proper bulk by the plunger. Both the automatic doorand compressing-plunger are operated by a crank connected with a clutchmechanism, the latter being thrown in an out of engagement by means ofprojections attached to that one of the pair of frictionplates whichisin rigid connection with the table. hen by the rotation of the table thecage which was under the compressing-plunger makes its next movement insuccession, it is brought over a moving receiving-apron; and during themovement the packagein the cage is expelled therefrom and set upon theapron by means of an expelling mechanism located at the back ofthe cageand which will be hereinafter fully-described.

When the filled packages have been placed upon the receiving-apron,(which may be of any desired length, but preferably of such that anumber of labelersorother operatives may sit along the sides suflic'ientto handle the packages which the table delivers,) they move along infront of the labelers, preferably seated at narrow benches attached tosides of the frame supporting the apron.

who are These benches are not represented in the drawings, as they wouldobscure the other parts. When the packages have been labeled orotherwise scaled up, they are placed upon a removing-apron, whichisinclosed within a casing, the packages being introduced through made topass through registering devices,so that the number of packages handledby each doorways in the sides,'.and are operative is duly recorded. Thisremovingapron is adapted to convey the packages through drying-rooms orotherwise to such places as may be devoted to-putting them into boxes orother operations.

My apparatus, as herein illustrated'and described, is expressly adaptedto handle pasteboard cartons or boxes, sometimes called shells, such asare used for holding small uniform weights of prepared cereals, starch,washing-powders, or other articles. of commerce. By suitablemodification of the cages, however, various styles of packages may behandled. Ishall therefore use the word carton as'standing for any sortof receptacle which might be used for the purpose.

I will now proceed to describe the various parts of my apparatus indetai In the drawings, A, Fig. 1, represents an automaticweighing-machine of any suitable type, adapted to successively delivercharges of uniform weight. As the construction of this machine is notinvolved in the following specification and claims, it is not necessaryto further describe it.

A rotating table, which is designated by B an which may be seen in wholeor in part in igs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 17, is mounted upon its pedestal Bby means of; the vertical shaft B The movements of the table arecontrolled by the latch O, which is shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 and ispivoted upon the pedestal B" by two bolts, one of which is shown at C.The latch C is counterbalanced by the weight C and thereby kept normallyin contact near its outer end C with the rim of the table B,

iig. 3.

The table 13 is provided on the inner side of its rim with stop-pins DD, one of which is shown enlarged in Fig. 5. These pins D D are adaptedto engage successively on their cylindrical sides, at their lower ends,with the flat endof the roller 0 mounted on the latch G, and thereby tostep, unless otherwise infiuenced, the rotation of the table B, Fig. 3.The pins D D, Fig. 5, are so mounted in their sockets as to be free' toturn by the jar of ordinaryuse, whereby they present continuously newsurface of contact to the end of the roller C and thus prolong theirperiod of wear. They are held from rising in their sockets by the plugsD' D, Fig. 5. The balanced arms, E E, which are pivoted upon the rim ofthe-table B, as shown at E Fig. 3, carry oi: their outer and broadenedends the cages F E and upon their inner ends the counterweights E EFigs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17. The counter-weights E E are madesufficiently'heavyto hold down the inner ends of their respective arms EE when the corresponding cages F F are empty or contain only emptycartons, but to allow the outer or cagebearing ends of the arms todescend whenever a load has been discharged into the carton in therespective cages.- 'The stop-pins D D, which are equal to the arms E Ein number, are so arranged on the table 13 as to stop the rotation ofthe table whenever a cage containing an empty carton comes under thedischarge-orifice of the weighing-machine, Fig. 3. Each of the arms E Eis provided with a small roller or wheel upon its under side and nearits outer end, of which one is shown at E, Fig. 3. These small rollers Eare adapted. upon a depression of the cagebearing ends of the arms E E,to come in contact with the outer end G of the table-latch C and forceit downward, thereby disengaging the roller 0 from the respectivestop-pin D, thus allowing the table 13 to rotate until the succeedingcage comes beneath the discharge-aperture of the weighing-machine,whereupon the succeeding .stop-pin engages with the latch-roller C andthe table is again brought to rest.

The cages F F are constructed in the following manner, Figs. 0, 7, and8; The back side F of the cage, or that which is toward the center 01'the table, is rigidly attached to its corresponding arm E. The side FFigs. Yand 8, is also rigidly attached to the arm E, and at the sametime to the side 1*", and upon both the sides F and W, at the top, issecurely mounted the funnel F its bottom end, Fig. 8, being slightly setaway from the sides F and F in order to allow the upper ends of theflaps of the cartons to project a little between it and the sides of thecage. Another side of the cage 1*, Figs. (5, 7, and 8, is hinged to theside l at F 137 and is free to swing outward a shortdistance in order toallow casyintroduction and expulsion of the carton. The outward movementof the side F is limited by a stop-piece F, which projects downward intoan .elongated slot in the flattened end of the arm E. This slotis'partiallyshown in plan in Fig. 11 and designated by EH Forconvenience in introducing the carton the side of the cage F is heldnormally open by the light spring F attached to the funnel F. I

hen a cage containing a filled carton has moved into the second positionbeyond that under the weighing-machine, it is brought over the pivotedplatenG, Figs. 2, 4, 9, and 10, being in the meantime raised from itsdepressed position by the upwardly-slant-ing arms G G, which areattached to the platen and are visible in plan in Fig. 17 only. The

platen G is pivot-ed upon the edge of a transverse extension H Fig. 4 ofthe horizontal arm Il, said arm extending from the top of the pedestal Bto the vertical supporting-rod I, being attached to the latter by meansof the hubll and suitable set-screws, Figs. 2, 4, 9, and 10. The platenG is pivoted as shown in order that it may conform to the flattenedparts of the arms E E, which form the bottoms of the cages F F. Theplaten G isadapted to support each cage in turn during the compressingof the material in the carton held by the cage.

J is a compressing-plunger attached to the plunger-rod J, the latterbeing connected with the compressor-crank J by means of theconnecting-rod J and guiding-bar J, Figs. 1, 13, and 16, and also 2,9,'and 10. A rotation of the crank .1 causes the plunger .1 to enter thecarton which is within the cage which is located over the platen, Fig.10, and press down the material therein. The guiding-bar J", Fig. 1,when the crank J and plunger J are in their upper or normally stationarypo sition, supports the vertically-movable rod J 5 by means of therigidly-attached collar .1, Fig. 1. As soon as the plunger descends ashort distance, allowing thereby the rod J to also descend, the door K,which is actuated by the said rod .1 is closed against the cage which isover the platen G.

The door K supports the carton while the material within it is beingcompressed, Figs. 2, 0, 10, 11, 12, and 17. The rod J is connected withthe door K by means of links K K and hub K, Figs. 9 and 10, ii'rsnch away that when the rod J and guiding-bar J are in their highest positionthe door K is held open or away from the cage, as in Fig. i); but whenthe rod J is allowed to descend to the limit of its movementviz., untilthe hub K rests on the support K -the door K is pressed against thecage, closing the latter, as in Fig. 10, the embracing arms K K holdingthe cage securely and causing the movable side F to close upon thecarton, as shown in Figs. 10, 12, and 17. The rod J slips looselythrough the guiding-bar J Fig. 1,

and only descends a short distance in closing the door K. After the rodJ has descended to the limit of its movement, which is regulated by thehub K and support K Figs. 9 and 10, the guiding-bar J and attachedpart-s continue to descend to the full stroke of the plunger J. The rod.1 is again lifted up and the door K thereby opened by the guidingbar J"acting on the collar J, Fig. 1, when near the upper end of the return orupward stroke. The door K is pivoted by means of the arms K K ,.Figs. 9and'10, upon the supporting-piece K attached to the verticalsupporting-rod I. The embracing arms K K of the door 18. are preferablyprovided with the IIO friction-rollers K K Figs. 11 and 12, which actupon the contour-piece F? of the side F and the contour-piece F of themovable side of the cage F in closing the latter.

Beside the primary latch C the table B is provided with a secondarylatch L, which 1o the arm H. When the rod J descends to its tached tothe vertical shaft N, acts as a back 5 C, with a contact-roller L and ismaintained normally in engagement with a stop-pin D by the springs L L,Figs. 4, 9, and 10. The outer end of the latch L is located beneath thelower end of the vertically-m ovable rod J which operates the-door K andslides looselythrough lowest position, Fig. 10, its lower end comes incontact with the outer end of the latch L and depresses the latter,forcing its contactroller'L out of engagement with the respectivestop-pin D of the table B. The tunetion of the latch L is to check themovement of the table independently of the latch 01 and prevent theembarrassmentof the plun- J and connected parts in case thelatch 0should fail for some reason to properly stop the table.

The latch 'L is so adjusted with regard to the latch C that the tableupon a movement is stopped first by the latch L, ,but only slightlybefore it would otherwise have been stopped by the latch G. Then upon adescent of the plunger J and consequent descent of the rod J the latch Lis tripped or forced out of engagement, as showh, and the table slightlyadvances and comes to rest against the latch O. The latch L,however, isnot tripped in these movements until the plunger J has begun to enterthe cage and the latter has become gripped by the embracing arms K K ofthe door K, whereby the plunger J is prevented from descending otherwisethan in the cage. description that the function of. the latch L isprecautionary only, and that while its use is desirable it is notindispensable to the full operation of the apparatus. The roller 0 ofthe primary latch G and the roller L of the secondary latch .L are notusedas rollers in the ordinary meaning, as their contact with thestop-pins D D is made on their flat ends and not on their cylindricalsides. They are used because their gradual rotation when in usecontinuously presents fresh surfaces of contact to the stop-pins D D,and their ends may be reversed when one is worn.

Each of the cages F F is provided with an expellingdoor M, Figs. 6, 7,8, 10, 11, 12, and 17, located at the back of the cage, on its innerside, and hinged on one of its vertical edges to the back F of the cage,as shown at M, Fig. 8. This door M is adapted by swinging upon itshinges to push out the filled and compressed packages when thecage hascome into the properposition. Movement is given to the door M by meansof the swinging arm N, vertical shaft N, arm N and pin N Figs. 6, 7, and8, operating in connection with the contour-piece N mounted\ upon asupport.

external to the table,

in this case the apronframe, Figs. 2 and 17.

The short arm N, at-

It will be'seen from the above stop to prevent the shaft N and attachedparts from moving too far backward. After expelling-a package the door'M is returned to its normal position by means of the spring M Figs. 6and S.

Motion is given to the compressor-crank J ,Fig. 13, by means of theshaft 0, upon which are loosely mounted the gear 0,

the gear 0 and the clutch-wheel P, the two gears mentioned and theclutch-wheel P, however, being firmly connected to each other, whilefree to run together on the shaft 0. Continuous motion is imparted tothe gears O and O and the clutch-wheel P by the gear 0 which meshes intothe gear 0 and is driven by the shaft 0 and the pulley 0 The gear 0drives the gear 0 which through the shaft 0 and beveled pinion 0 causesthe frictionplate Q, provided with the circular beveled rack Q andweights Q to continuously rotate about the vertical shaft 13 of thetable '13. The continuously-rotating friction-plate Q rests upon thefriction-plate Q, which is firmly attached to the vertical shaft BBetween the friction-plates Q and Q (see Fig. 14) is a washer Q of woodor other suitable substance.

Mounted upon the shaft 0, Fig. 13, but not rigidly attached to it, is anarm-P, carrying the clutch-latch P, the latter being adapted to engagewith the continuously-rotating clutch -wheel P, Figs. 13, 14, and 15.The arm P causes the shaft 0 to rotate whenever the clutch-latch P is inengagement with the clutch-wheelP by means of the piece P which isrigidly attached to the shaft 0, its bifurcated parts P P embracing oneend of the arm P. The parts' P P' of the piece P are provided withelastic pads P P of rubber or other suitable substance, Fig. 14, whichrelieve the shockeaused by the operation of the clutch mechanism. Theclutch-latch P is provided, Figs. 14 and 15, with a fiat spring P andthe connecting-links P P which serve the purpose of maintaining theclutch-latch either in or out of engagement, according as it has passedthe critical or dead point of pressure of the spring P and links P PFig. 14 shows the clutch-latch out of engagement, and Fig. 15 inengagement, with the continuously-rotating wheel P. The clutchlatch Pswings upon a pivot P inserted in the arm P. The clutch-1atch P isfurther provided with a short arm P, which serves to throw the latch inand out of engagement by contact with the projections Q located upon thelowerfriction-plate Q, the latter always turning with the table 13.These projections Q Q are so located with reference to the clutch-latchP and balanced arms'E E of the table B that whenever the table moves inbringing afresh cage under the compressorplunger one of theseprojections comes in contact with the arm P of the clutch-latch justbefore the movement of the table is stopped by the table-latch.

This throws the clutehlatch P into engagement with thecontinuonsly-rotat-in g cl utch-wheel P,as shown in Fig.

15.. This causes the clutch-latch I, with the arm P and bifurcated pieceP and in consequence the shaft 0 and COIIIPIGSSOPClfl-Ilk J to make arotation until the arm P of the clutch-latch P again comes in contact atthe end of the rotation with the same projection Q which forced thelatch into engagement, but on the other side ofthe projection and of thearm I, forcing the clutch-latch P out of engagement with thecontinuouslyrotating clutch-wheel F and bringing the latch mechanism,shaft 0, and compressor-crank J to a stop in the-position from which itstarted. During this movement the compressor-shank J has caused theplunger-J to descend and rise again, compressing theimatcrial in thecarton underneath it, and the door K to move forward and close the cageand then to open again on the upward movement of the plunger. v

The crank J Fig. 1G, is exactly centered and normally held at rest inits upper position by the movable stop-pieces R R, pivoted at R and Rrespectively, to the fixed supportingpiece R and held in positionagainst the respective stopsR and R by the spring R The exact centeringof the compressorcrank J in its position of rest is important, in orderthat the arm P of the clutch-latch P may always occupy a definite placebetween each movement in regard to the projections Q Q on thefriction-plate Q.

Loosely mounted on. the vertical drivingshaft B of the table l3, Figs. 2and 3, is. the stop-piece B", which projects over the inner ends of thebalanced arms E E and prevents a depression of the cages F F at allpoints excepting on the side next the discharge-aperture of theweighing-machine.

There is a notch B in the stop-piece B, Fig. 3, on the side toward theweighing'inachine, which allows a movement of the arms E E when they arein that position. The stoppiece B is prevented from turning with thetable by the arm B, which extends to and looks into the guiding-arm JFigs. 1 and 2.

W'hen a cage leaves the position under the plunger, it moves over theend of a receivingapron S, Figs. 1, 2, .1, 10, and 17. This apron runsover the roller S, mounted in a supporting-frame S Fig. 1'7, and isdriven by a series of rollers at the opposite end of thosupporting-frameS which will be hereinafter fully described.

S is an arm attached to the frammvork S, Fig. 17, extending to near thecompressorplateu, which serves to support the filled cages .ble in Fig.1.

as they move over toward the end of the apron. During this last-namedmovement the pin N Figs. 6 and 7, mounted upon the arm N Fig. 1.7, movesalong the contour-piece N Fig. 17, and by turning the vertical shaft N,Fig. 6, and arm N causes the door M of the cage to l push out the filledcarton upon the apron S, 1 as indicated in Figs. 9 and 10.

G"er the supporting-frame S of the receiving-apron S is mounted, Fig. 1,a second supporting-frame T, which serves to carry the i roller T anddriving mechanism for a second or removing apron T, Figs. 1 and 19. Thisapron T serves to remove the packages after they have been labeled orotherwise scaled up. It is inclosed in a casing in order that nopackages may be placed upon it except through the doorways T T which areprovided with the centrally'hung doors T T, Figs. 1 and 19. Theremoving-apron T is made, preferably, of a width equal to at least threetimes the width of the package tobe transmitted in order that thepackages may not become blockaded.

The inclosing case of the removing-apron is preferably constructed inthe following way: At regular intervals along the framework T areattached the vertical iron standards T T, having two vertical groovesand which show when out across horizontally a section like the letter H,Fig. 1f The vertieal grooves of the standards T T are adapted to allowthe introduction vertically of wooden frames or panels, the framessliding inthe grooves like a window-sash in its casing and appeartherein in horizontal section, as shown in Fig. 19. Two kinds of framesare shown, 'l and T T which are arranged alternately along each side ofthe framework T and also in such a manner that the frames T T arelocated opposite the frames T T, Fig. 19. The frames '1 T arerepresented in the drawipgs as ordinary windew-sash, but might consistof a wooden panel orothersuitable material. The framosT T on the otherhand, are adapted to receive and support the frames T S T of, thedoorways T T and also the casings U U of the registering devices. Thetop of the main casing is made in an ordinary manner, not needingespecial illustration, by simply laying stringers across the tops ofopposite standards '1 T V and boarding over the whole. The constructionshown enables the casing and its connected parts tobe readily puttogether or taken to pieces.

Mounted within the casing U, Figs. 19, 20, and 22, is a vertical shaftU. This shaft carries near its lower end the three-arm turnstile U Theshaft U carries also the small pinion, U which meshes into thesuitablyproportioned gear U, the latter being connected by the shaftwith a train of gears such as are used for registering in ordinarygas-meters, and are here designated as a whole by U, the/face of thedial being visi- Vertical partitions T T, curved at one end and shown inhorizontal section in Fig. 10, are suspended from the top T T as shown,for the purpose of' preventing the packages placed upon theremovingapron T through one doorway from interfering with theregistering mechanism connected with other doorways. The doors T"T aredesigned to render the turnstile U U inac of the casing before each ofthe frames I cessible from their respective doorways, and

thereby prevent tampering with the registering device. The doors areheld normally in their open position by the springs T T '5 Fig.19.

In Fig. 19, :1: indicates a package which has been placed upontheremoving apron T through one of the doorwaysT and is being moved bythe apron toward the turn-stile U 10 package which has passed the door T(the latter having swung back to its normal position) and which isacting upon the turnstileU whichit will leave inthe position shown bythe turnstile on the opposite side of the apron.

In connection with the turnstile U is a locking device adapted toprevent the rotation of the turnstile, excepting when a package isactually going through, Figs. 20, 21, and 22. It consists of a smallhorizontal shaft U which is provided with the bent arm'U and thedependent arm U all being monnted-upon a'suitable support attached tothe frame T The arm U engages with the projections U U on the small diskU Y the latter being firmly attached to the vertical shaft U. Thisdevice prevents the turn stile from rotating unless the arm U Fig. 22,is raised but of engagement ,with the projectionsU U by the action of apassing package on the dependent arm U", as shown in Fig. 22.

Fig.18 shows,in vertical section,the method of driving and tighteningthe aprons,- both the apron S and the apron T being driven in the samemanner. The roller 5 is free like S, Fig. 17-th at is to'say, it doesnot act to drive the belt, but siinply to support it. It allows theapron to be run closely to the edge of any apron at right angles to itfor the transfer of packages. The driving of the apron is accomplishedby running it, as shown, around the rollers S S, S", and S whichare allsuitably geared together anddriven'at the,

same speed. The slack of the apron is taken up and tension thereonmaintained by the weighted tightened roller S mounted upon a suitableframe. The light canvas belts,which are bestadapted for use asconveyinggtprons,

have Very little adhesion to thetsurface of a driving roller or pulleyespeoi ally when covered with flour or other powders; ",The use of thepowerful driving" mec ani m herein shswn and described is therefore verydesirab e. 1

I will now brieflydescribe the operation of the apparatus. The cartons,generally delivered in the collapsed or flattened form, are quicklyshaped up and placed inthe cages by the operator, who is seated besidethe table. W hen the weighing-machine discharges a load into the cartonin the cage directly beneath it, the corresponding balanced arm whichsupports the cage is depressed at its outer end, and the table-latch isthereby dis-- engaged.- This allows the table to rotate by means of itsfriction-driving plates until the On the other side of the apron, 1represents a next cage is brought 'under the weighing'-ma chine, and inthis manner at each discharge presented to be filled. Each partialrotation of the table induces other movements, notably that of thecompressing-plunger, which is next to be considered. Each time the tableadvances a step---viz., from one cage to the succeeding oneit brings afilled carton over the platen and under the compressingplunger. At thesame time one of the projections on that friction-disk which is'rigidlyconnected with the table throws the clutch- 8o latch into engagementwith the coptinuously rotating clutch-wheel, as shownffin Fig. 15. Thiscauses the compressor-crankto makea single rotation and thecompressing-plunger carton and cage beneath it, and in so doing causesthe door to close the open side of the cage upon the descent of theplunger and to open again onits return or upward stroke. At the end ofthe rotation the clutch is thrown; 99' out of engagement by coming incontact with the other side of the projection on the fric-p tion-platewhich threw it in, as shown in Fign 14, and the compressor-crank is heldand exactly located by the spring-stops, as shown in Fig. 16'. I Anothermovement which takes place at -each advance of the table is that ofexpelling from its cage and placing upon the receivingsor-plunger. Thisis accomplished by the panying registering device for each operative,and as this kind of work is usually what is known as piecework the laborof checking off the amount the operatives do becomes very simple. 1 20he removing-apron may deliver the co'mpleted packages to other conveyorsor take them through dryingapparatus or otherwise,

as desired.

I claim '1. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating tablehaving balanced arms, said arms being provided'with cages adapted tohold packages to be filled, and said table having a latch deviceoperated by said balanced r30 arms as described and said latch beingadapted to prevent the rotation or said table until released by adischarge of material into a package held by one of the said cages, and

of the weighing-machine a fresh cart-on is 70 a single stroke (down andup again) into the 85 apron the filled and compressed carton which .100"has just leftthe position under the compresexpelling-door at thebacktof the cage, which ing device. There is a doorway and accomlatch I,said latch being adapted to be 1 l tiall'y asand for the purpose setforth. l l

ass,

means for causing the rotation of said table I when the said latch isreleased; in combination with a compressing device adapted to operate inunison with the movements of the i said table, a door actuated in unisonwith 1 said compressor and adapted to close each cage in due order andsupport the packages for compression and necessary connecting parts,substantially'as and for the purposei set forth.

2. In an apparatus for filling packages, a 1 rotating table havingbalanced arms, said arms being provided with cages adapted to holdpackages to be filled, and said table having a latch device operated bysaid balanced i arms as described and said latch being adapted toprevent the rotation of said table until released by a discharge ofmaterial into a package held by one of the said cages, and I means forcausing the rotation of said table when the said latch is released; incombination with a series of expelling devices one for each cage,adapted to expel filled packages from said cages and necessaryconnecting parts, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table havingbalanced arms and a latch device cooperating with said armssubstantially as described and means for rotati ing the said table uponthe releasing of said latch; in combination with a compressingplungerand means for operating the same in unison with the movements of said'table, a secondary table-latch adapted to be released i by amovement ofthe said compressingplunger and necessary connecting parts, subtstantially as and for the purpose set forth. 1

t. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table adapted topresent packages to be lilled and mechanism for controlling themovements of said table, the projections Q Q and the disk Q, said diskrotating with the said table; in com bination with the clutchthrown inand out of engagement by said projections substantially as described,the shaft 0 and suitable mechanism for connecting said latehwith saidshaft, the continuously-rotating clutch-wheel l, the compres- 2sor-crank J the compressing-phinger J and necessary connectingmechanism, substan- 5. In an apparatus for filling packages,a clutchmechaaism adapted to operatev a compressing-plungerand consist-ing ofthe following parts; the latch P the continuously-rotating clutchnvhcell, the spring 1, the links l 1 1", necessary connecting mechanism andmeans for forcing the latch l in and out of engagementas required,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

1;. In an apparatus for filling packages, a clutch mechanism adapted tooperate a compressing-plunger and consisting of the following parts; thelatch l", the cottin iously-rotating clutch-Wheel l, the shaft 0, thelatchi holding arm 1 loosely mounted on the said shaft, the bifurcatedarm P rigidly attached to the said'sh-aft and embracing an end of thearm P and the rubber coneussionpieees P P necessary connecting mechanismand means for forcing the said latch P in and out of engagement asrequired, substantially as and for the purpose set forth,

7. In an apparatus forfilling packages, in combination, the compressor-crank J the stop-pieces R R, the spring-i RF, a suitablesupporting-frame and necessary connecting mechanism, whereby the saidcranlcJ, is exactly located and held in position after each of itsmovements, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In an apparatus for filling packages, in

combination, a rotating table with suitable regulating mechanism, thevertical drivingshaft 13 the continuously-rotating frictionplate Q, thefriction-plate Q, rigidly attached to the said shaft B and having theprojections Q Q the latch P adapted to engage with the said projectionsand be thrown in and out of engagement thereby and having a springadapted to hold it in or out of engagement as placed, the arm P adaptedto support the latch P the shaft 0,,upon which the arm P is looselymounted, the bifurcated arm P having rubber concussion pieces adapted toembrace the arm? and being rigidly attachcd to the shaft 0, thecontinuously rotating clutch wheel P, loosely mounted upon the saidshaft 0, the compressor-crank J the connecting-rod J the plunger-rod J,the plunger J,and necessary con necting mechanism, all operatingtogether substantially as described and for the purpose set forth. I

9. In an apparatus for filling paekages,-the rotating table B andsuitable drivingand con trolling mechanism and the balanced arms E l);in combination \vit-hthe stop-piece B having a notch 15" as describedand also having the arm connected with some external stationary part forpreventing the stop-piece B from turning with the table, the verticaldriving-shaft i upon which the stop'piece, B is side F and necessaryconnecting parts, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In an apparatus for filling packages, the

cage F having the tixed'sides F and F, the

hinged side F and the funnel F; in eombi-' nation with theexpelling-door M and mechanism adapted to operate the said door M, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

1;. In an apparatus for filling packages, the cage F; in combinationwith the expellingdoor M, the arm N, the shaft N, the arm N the pin N,the contour-piece N, the spring M and necessary supporting andconnecting .collar J mechanisms, substantially as and for the purposeset forth.

13. In an apparatus forfilling packages, the cage F having the fixedsides F and Ffland' the hinged side F in combination with the door Khaving the embracing arms K K and adapted to close the open side of saidcage and shut the said hinged side F and necessary supporting andoperating mechanisms,

substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the cage Fhaving one open side, the pivoted door K adapted to close the open sideof said cage, the links K K, the rod J guiding-bar J, plunger-rod J andnecessary supporting and actuating mechanisms, substantially as and-forthe purpose set forth.

15. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotatingtable with suitabledriving and regulating mechanism; in combination with thecompressing-plunger J the plungerrod J, the rod J the'secondary latch Ladapted to be released by a stroke of said plunger and necessaryactuating and connectingparts, substantially as and for the purpose setforth.

16. In an apparatus for filling packages, a rotating table havingbalanced arms adapted to support packages, said table having suitableactuat-ing and regulating mechanism; in combination with a compressorplaten adapted to support said arms while material in the packages isbeing compressed, a suitably-actuated compressing-plunger adapted tooperate in unison with the movements of said. table and necessaryconnecting and supporting mechanisms, substantially as and for thepurpose set forth.

17. In an apparatus for filling packages, a latch device consisting of;first, the looselymounted cylindrical stop-pin D, free to be graduallyturned by the jar due to its ordinary operation and its socket; andsecond, the rotatablelatch-roller 0 adapted to 'make a contact upon itsfiat end with the cylindrical stop-pin D, and necessary supportingandconnecting mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In an apparatus forfilling packages, the apron S,,the roller S andthe roller 8, said rollers being adapted only to extend and. supportsaid belt and to be turned freely by it; in combination with thesuitably-mounted tightening-roller S and the driving mechanismcomprising the driven rollers S ,.S", S and S said apron passing aroundsaid driven and tightening rollers substantially as sh'oivr}, the

said rollers 5 S, S and S being so connected together that each rotatesin the appropriate direction with the same speedand assists the othersin driving the apron, and necessary supporting and connectingmechanisms,

whereby the apron is driven with great power,

- '1 T the vertical anism,is adapted to closely approach an apron movingatright angles across it, substantially as and for the purpose setforth.

19. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, theremoving-apron T inclosed within a casing, the turnstile U the registerU the doorway T the centrally-hung door T the partition T andnecessaryconnecting and supporting mechanisms, substantially as' andfor, the purpose set forth.

20. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, the:removing-aproni'll inclosed within a casing, the turnstile U theregister U the doorway T the locking device embracing the dependent armU the arm U and the disk U having -the projections U, and all necessaryconnection and supporting mechanisms, substantially as and for thepurpose set forth.

21. In an apparatnsfor filling packages,the removing-apron T havingsuitable supporting and driving rollers; in combination with an inclosedcasing consisting of the frames grooved standards T T, the frames T T,the frames T" T having doorways-and adapted to support registering.devices, said frames T T and T T being adapted to slide in the groovesof the standards T T? as shown, a suitable, top for the whole casing,and neces ry connectingand supporting mechanisms, spbstantially as andfor the purpose set forth;

22. In an apparatus for filling packages, in combination, a rotatingtable having suitable actuating and regulating mechanism and adapted toreceive, transmit and'deliver packages, a moving receiving-apron adaptedto receive packages from said table and deliver them to labelers, aremoving-apron, said removing-apron be'ing inclosed in a casing havingdoorways through which co'mpleted packages may be placed upon saidremoving-apron, and said casing having also registering devices suitablyarranged with referenceto said doorways, and all necess gysupporting andconnecting mechanism, w ereby filled packages may be automaticallyplaced before the labelers and after being labeled may be antomaticallyremoved and their number recorded, substantially as and for the purposeset forth.

Intestimony whereof I have signed my I name to this specification,in'the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 9th day ofFebruary, A. D. 189?.

WILLIAM EMERY NICKERSON. Witnesses FRANK G. PARKER, WILLIAM II. PARRY.

